From classroom projects in advance of National AccessAbility Week to inclusion in action and supporting newcomers, there are many opportunities throughout the school year for students of all backgrounds and abilities to work together to create a shared sense of belonging. What follows are some examples.
A Grade 7 student has won the BC and Yukon Easter Seals National AccessAbility Week Design Contest. In Alyssa’s submission, the Nelson Elementary student said her creation represented “unity and community in play” because all children deserve to play “where they’re included equally.” Her design will be featured on a t-shirt, and her whole class gets to enjoy a pizza party to celebrate. Learn more about recent accessibility learning in classrooms here. At Byrne Creek Community School, an art class worked on a collaboration with students in the Access program, creating big movement art.
In recognition of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, the District held its annual student breakfast with guest speakers. Held at Burnaby Mountain Secondary, all high school students from across the District were welcome alongside those who are allied or part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. At Windsor Elementary, local actor and voice actor Sam Darkoh met with students in Grades 5 to 7 to talk about human rights and how to help stop hate and discrimination.
More than 130 newcomer students from 11 elementary and secondary schools went on the Friends of Simon field trip to Simon Fraser University. Led by the District’s Settlement Workers in Schools, the annual outing provides post-secondary exposure and community building through the decade-old partnership. Highlights reported by students ranged from playing soccer with new friends to learning that you can study game design in university.
Posted May 2026